It's year-end, and time for my "Game of the Year" selection: Balatro. While not my absolute favorite, its success warrants discussion.
By now (December 29th, assuming on-time reading), Balatro's numerous awards are likely familiar. It swept The Game Awards (Indie and Mobile Game of the Year) and uniquely won two Pocket Gamer Awards: Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game. Jimbo's creation has garnered widespread praise.
However, this success has also sparked confusion and even anger. Comparisons between flashy gameplay videos and Balatro's relatively simple visuals are common. Many are baffled by a simple deckbuilder's triumph.
This very bafflement highlights why it's my GOTY pick. But first, some honorable mentions:
Honorable Mentions:
- Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: The long-awaited addition of iconic Castlevania characters is fantastic.
- Squid Game: Unleashed's free-to-play release: A potentially precedent-setting move by Netflix Games, suggesting a focus on attracting new viewers.
- Watch Dogs: Truth audio adventure: An interesting, if not seismic, release from Ubisoft, showcasing an alternative approach to the Watch Dogs franchise.
Balatro: A Mixed Bag
My Balatro experience is mixed. It's undeniably engaging, but I haven't mastered it. The intricate statistical optimization frustrates me, hindering my progress despite many hours played.
Yet, it's among the best gaming purchases I've made. It's simple, time-consuming, and undemanding. While not my ultimate time-waster (that title belongs to Vampire Survivors), it's a strong contender.
It's visually appealing and plays well. For $9.99, you get a captivating roguelike deckbuilder that won't elicit ridicule in public (the poker element might even impress some). LocalThunk's ability to elevate a simple format is remarkable.
From the calming music to the satisfying sound effects, everything is designed to keep you hooked. This engagement is subtly, not overtly, presented.
But why discuss it again? Because for some, this isn't enough.
"It's Just a Game!"
Balatro isn't the most criticized release this year (that might be Astrobot, ironically, given the self-importance often associated with such award shows). The reaction to Balatro highlights a key issue.
Balatro is unapologetically "gamey" in design and execution. It's colorful and engaging without being overly complex or flashy, lacking even a retro aesthetic. It's not a cutting-edge tech demo; LocalThunk began it as a passion project, later recognizing its potential.
Its success confounds many, both critics and the public. It's not a flashy gacha, nor does it push mobile gaming boundaries. It's simply "a card game" to some.
And that's precisely the point. It's a well-executed card game with a fresh approach. Game quality should be judged by its core mechanics, not just visual fidelity or flashy elements.
Substance Over Style
Balatro's lesson is simple: Success doesn't require groundbreaking graphics or complex mechanics. This humble deckbuilder thrived across PC, console, and mobile platforms—a significant achievement given the challenges of mobile development.
While not a massive financial success, considering the likely low development costs, LocalThunk likely profited handsomely.
Balatro proves that multi-platform success doesn't require a massive, cross-platform gacha experience like Genshin Impact. A simple, well-executed game with unique style can resonate with diverse players.
My own struggles with Balatro demonstrate its versatility. Some optimize their decks for flawless runs; others, like myself, enjoy it as a relaxing pastime.
The takeaway is clear: Balatro's success demonstrates that you don't need cutting-edge technology or hyper-complex gameplay to achieve success. Sometimes, being a bit of a "joker" is enough.
